Strength in Silence

He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so He opened not His mouth.

Isaiah 53:7 ESV

We grow up in a culture where we are taught to defend, retaliate and take revenge. I certainly know what it is like to answer back ‘from A to Z’ and back again. Yet, Yeshua HaMashiach, the great King of Glory, Co-regent with the Father and the Holy Spirit, came to earth and behaved like a lamb (John 1:29, 36). Paul said that He humbled Himself even to death upon a cross (Philippians 2:5-8).

Despite being oppressed and despite being afflicted, He opened not His mouth. How was He able to do this?

1. He knew it was His Father’s will to crush Him (Isaiah 53:10; Luke 22:42).

2. He knew His purpose on earth: to take away the sin of the world (Matthew 1:21; John 1:29).

3. He knew Who He was and His relationship with the Father was secure (Matthew 3:17).

4. He placed His life and its outcome in the Father’s hand (1 Peter 2:22-23; Luke 23:46).

Here’s a question to ask yourself: how am I doing in that area? Am I the kind that answers to everything? Do I HAVE TO take revenge? Must I defend myself in ALL circumstances? The truth is, sometimes . . . most times . . . it is a waste of time and energy. Your retaliation and defence often do not change people’s opinions of you. In fact, sometimes such behaviours concretize their opinions. Someone said, “You will never reach your destination if you stop and throw stones at every dog that barks.” The prophet declared, “For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, ‘In quietness and in trust shall be your strength’” Isaiah 30:15.

We can learn from the meek and lowly Jesus (Matthew 11:28-30). Sometimes it is the Father’s will for some things to happen (II Samuel 16:11). Know your purpose and your divinely assigned task, and focus on them. Sometimes things are diabolically designed to distract us from our life’s mission. Be secure in your relationship with Yahweh Elohim. Nothing defeats that. Develop that relationship through prayer, fasting and studying the Word. Finally, entrust yourself in Yahweh’s hand and trust Him to take care of the outcome. Let Him fight your battles.

DEVOTIONAL SONG

My times are in Thy hand; My God, I wish them there; My life, my friends, my soul I leave Entirely to Thy care.

My times are in Thy hand; Whatever they may be; Pleasing or painful, dark or bright, As best may seem to Thee.

My times are in Thy hand; Why should I doubt or fear? My Father’s hand will never cause His child a needless tear.

My times are in Thy hand, Jesus, the crucified! Those hands my cruel sins had pierced Are now my guard and guide.

My times are in Thy hand, Jesus, my Advocate: Nor shall Thine hand be stretched in vain, For me to supplicate.

My times are in Thy hand, I’ll always trust in Thee; And, after death, at Thy right hand I shall forever be.

(William F. Lloyd, 1824)

FURTHER READING II Samuel 16:5-17; 19:16-23

THOUGHT In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.

(Written 2016 July 10)